We had the good fortune of connecting with Veronica Gudiel, Irene Quevedo and Cecilia Rodriguez (Level Up Latina partners) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Veronica/Irene/Cecy, how does your business help the community?

At Level Up Latina we knew that providing guidance and support with our 1-1 coaching and sharing our life stories being first-generation Latinas on our podcast would allow for other mujeres to relate and know that they are not alone in this bi-cultural journey. We have unexpectedly given permission to women that have felt alone in their lives and career paths to elevate their words and speak up for what they want and need. It may sound easy, but as we navigate life and our professional careers we tend to not see people that look like us that can provide relatable coaching, that understand how our cultural tendencies and family expectations can keep us from pushing forward and doing what we are truly meant to do. Level Up Latina effectively aims to provide women with that guidance we ourselves needed when we were emerging professionals, we give these women a different perspective to achieve their goals and kick ass in every aspect of their life, all by not being or feeling they have no options. We have become the older sisters, primas, aunts and even mentors of our audience and their feedback tells us that they are here for it and are grateful to have us (Vero, Cecy, and Irene) to listen to weekly and know that it will all work out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I (Vero) knew that I would be a Coach one day, I have a natural ability to relate and identify with people that allows them to share their life and challenges easily with me. I come from a corporate business management and leadership background, I spent the first ten years of my career working at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toyota, and McMaster-Carr, before I landed as Director of Marketing and Events for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I did not expect to become a coach when I did, but starting Level Up Latina with Cecy and Irene happened after discovering my position at my job had been eliminated while I was on maternity leave. I immediately knew that it was the right time to share my knowledge and my years of experience coming up as a professional in corporate America. I wanted to put my years of experience as a professional and as a first generation Latina to use, and what better way than to become a life and career coach. I wanted other women and Latinas in particular to learn from my experience and my mistakes. I wanted to motivate them to not be afraid to be themselves no matter what others expect of us, and I for sure did not want another woman to feel that her career is jeopardized because she chooses to start a family. In my 17+ years as a professional I have worked many jobs and started over many times and in some cases pivoted careers completely, so to those that have been afraid of taking a risk and going for a new job, do it, bet on yourself and go for it, it is not as scary as you think. Another thing that I learned early in my professional career as a management trainee at ERAC, was to speak up and share my achievements with upper management but most importantly and what got me promoted to management within three years was the way those that work directly with you on a daily basis speak about you to management. Treat people right, always.

I (Irene) “wear so many hats” in my day-to-day life and it’s truly been a blessing and a challenge all at once. I am a longtime nonprofit CEO, a certified life and business coach, an author, expert traveler, and I recently completed my M.B.A after a strong desire to continue challenging myself through education. As a mother and wife taking time away for my career and education is only possible through my family’s support and love. All of that combined has made me the empathetic and hardworking life coach I am today. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite hats to wear. Coaching women to reach their fullest potential is such a privilege and an honor.

I (Cecy) have been a lawyer for 10+ years. My profession, mom life, coaching LUL clients and being a caregiver to my elder parents keeps me busy. Yet, I make selfcare and date nights with my husband a priority by setting boundaries and keeping a schedule. I took a break from practicing law when my twin daughters turned 2. I knew I wanted to do something for women like myself. So I reached out to Vero and Irene and Level Up Latina was born. Despite my busy schedule, my journey with LUL as a partner and coach keeps me balanced and it’s allows me to feel fulfilled in every aspect of my life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

For Vero this is hard because being an LA native one might to think that anything in LA is the best! Our trip will start in Compton on a Thursday night since I live here, we are going to visit the taco trucks and pop-up food spots that line up Compton Blvd and Atlantic I like to call it the Compton-Riviera. We will eat tacos & quesitacos of every kind you can imagine, pupusas, churros, mexican style sushi, tostolocos I mean you name it, they got it here! Friday during the day visit MOLAA, head to lunch to Lola’s and hit up a few of the shops in the local area. The evening would be for cocktails on the roof top at Saint & 2nd or delicious cocktails at the Mayan for a beautiful view of the Long Beach skyline. Saturday is great for a morning hike in Palos Verdes followed by day drinking at the Hermosa Pier but not before a good lunch at Greenbelt and then ending with a buzz at Paisano’s to close the night. I am married with kids so my week long trip is only 3 days!

Vero shared so many goodies… Irene would like to add visit the south bay’s beach cities (all of them). We have such a stretch of gold from PV to Dockweiler. Redondo Beach is my favorite after living here 12 years. Manhattan Beach is where I have my favorite hubby & me date nights and Hermosa Beach is where we attend mass on Sundays or love to grab a bite to eat. There’s something for everyone in this part of LA county. You can do it all from catching sunsets, bike riding along the beach, night bonfires with s’mores, to volleyball or soccer on the sand, and eating at the best eateries and chill spots (Hopsaint Brewery in Torrance, Sidecar Donut in Manhattan Beach, Little Sister in Redondo Beach, Baran’s 2239, Tacos Goloso, & Martha’s all in Hermosa Beach). Cecy lives in SF and is originially from the Bay Area, so she is always up for anything food related when she visits.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I (Vero) am undeniably here thanks to my to the unconditional love and support I’ve received from my parents that despite me being very outspoken, defiant, rebellious and constantly challenging the status quo they kept their faith and trust in me. My brother, Oracio, has always given me the advice I needed to hear at each challenging moment I have had. My sister, Gaby, for always being there for me when I didn’t think I could do it on my own, and I have only learned to appreciate her with age. I thank Claudia and Monique for introducing young Vero to the world of Hermanas Unidas of UCB and helping me bring that hermandad to the UCSB campus, because without it I would not be the woman I am today with an amazing support system of mujeres that are ambitious, generous, and challenge me to keep growing and learning. Last but not least, my husband Otto and my kids, thank you for your patience with me, you are my motivation and I do it all for them.

I (Irene) grew up the youngest of 6 in Inglewood, Ca. My siblings paved the way as a support system when they became my first cheerleaders as a child. They were hard on me and still can be, but they loved me and they BELIEVED in me from the start. My momma is a warrior and a woman worth emulating. My husband is a dream. Married for close to 17 years, I can’t believe he and I have come this far. He’s a romantic and a brilliant man that wraps me up in so much goodness. My children (17,13 & 11) have seen the world me; they’ve seen me low and they’ve seen me high. They’re everything and more than I could have ever dreamed possible for this life. I am blessed to count on them and everything’s better with their love and support.

I (Cecy) am the oldest of 3 and the first of many. I thank my family for always supporting and encouraging me when growing up. I especially thank my mom, I am the authentic and confident woman I am today thanks to my mom’s strength and her determination of never giving up. I see this authencity and strength already being passed down to my 6-year-old daughters, and it’s amazing to witness. Lastly, I thank my wonderful husband of 8 years, running my first half marathon 10 years ago was the best thing that could have happened to me because it brought me to him. I am truly blessed with the family I have created.

Lastly, our joint content creator for @leveluplatina deserves so much credit. Thank you, Marlene Carvajal, for keeping us on point!

Website: www.leveluplatina.com

Instagram: @leveluplatina and of course search “the Level Up Latina” wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

vero: @yourlatinacoach Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-burgos-gudiel/

irene: @wealthy.latinas on IG or WealthyLatinas.com

Image Credits
@AmoryLunaphotography

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